Michael James Rich, 50, of Largo, FL passed away peacefully in his home after a courageous battle with cancer on Monday, September 21, 2015. He was surrounded by his loving family and left them encompassed with his own loving and selfless spirit.
Born on December 9, 1964, he moved here from Newport, NH in 2013. After graduating high school, Michael joined the Navy where he would ultimately serve seven years. He enjoyed the sea and would get to experience no only a large portion of the United States, but satiated wanderlust throughout Japan, the Philippines, and Australia. He was honorably discharge in 1990 and settled down with his new family.
Michael was a senior clerk for a major firearms manufacturer for 18 years. Although he would be a factotum, jack-of-all-trades, and proficient in many things, his ability to share love and affection came foremost.
Michael was a collector and hobbyist of a multitude of crafts. He enjoyed begetting art as much as attaining and displaying it. More creative than time allowed to reveal, he kept a careful hand; whether he wielded pen, needle, or a deck of cards. A connoisseur of the latter, his interest in gaming was only seconded by his collector’s sentiment.
A true fan of the music of his era, he would never feel dated when he pulled out his favorite record. It is also worthy to note Michael might always come in firs in all walks of trivia and little known anecdotes of interesting information. He also thoroughly enjoyed imparting this to his loved ones.
Michael is survived by his caring and equally courageous wife of 27 years, Vonda; his son, Michael Jr.; his loving mother, Linda Devenow; brother, Everett; half-sister, Darlene Rich; as well as his benevolent in-laws. He also leaves behind his infinitely faithful four-legged friend, Bella.
A level head always tapped by intrigue and curiosity, he will be missed by all who knew him.
Vonda I was so sorry to hear. Cancer is a very mean disease !You both seem so happy and he was very personable. It shows in life you can never take anything for granted ….hugs to you and your family
My dearest friend I am so sorry for your loss and the pain you are going through. Michael was a wonderful man and great friend. Charlie & I will have amazing memories of weekends spent laughing and playing games. Always know we are here for you if you need anything or just need to get away for a few days. I love you.
Alta May
Vonda,
we are so sorry for your loss!
He was a very fun, caring guy, and will be deeply missed.
I will never forget the time we had here at my home with the adult party we had. He was anything but bashful.
he made us all laugh.
He was always the life of the party.
Hugs and prayers toy you all
Vonda,
we are so sorry for your loss!
He was a very fun, caring guy, and will be deeply missed.
I will never forget the time we had here at my home with the adult party we had. He was anything but bashful.
he made us all laugh.
He was always the life of the party.
Hugs and prayers toy you all
Vonda, I am so sorry for your loss. Your husband was a kind and caring man and it was quite obvious that he loved you very mch. I will never forget sitting at the Orlando airport waiting for our flight and I see this tall guy coming towards me with a cowboy hat on. I then realzied that it was you and your husband. You have many friends at Walmart in Claremont. We are there if you need us. May God be with you!!
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Mike at rugers.
Vonda I am so so sorry for your loss..I worked with Mike he was kind considerate and very helpful to all he worked with…..He used to light up when Hank Williams Jr would call……He never talked bad about anyone kept to himsrlf…Mike was a great friend who I will always remember! !!! My thoughts are with you and your family……hugs!!!!
Vonda I’m so sorry to hear about Mike. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Vonda I am so very sorry for your loss. I’m sending you a giant hug since I can’t give you one in person. You and Mike always seemed to have so much love between you and I remember the smile on your face when you used to talk about him. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. You will always be one of the sweetest people I have known and I miss you very much. Hugs.
My prays go out to u and your family i am so sorry
Vonda:
Ray and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mike. He was taken from you and Mikey (will always be Mikey to us even though he is a grown man now)way too soon. Prayers and Hugs to both you and Mikey.
Vonda I am so sorry for the loss of Mike. I remember when he worked at Walmart..he was funny and always laughing. The two of you always seemed so happy together…I remember how much you would smile when talking about him. You and your family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Much love
Ellen
to the Rich family,
I was very sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. I didn’t know Mike very well, but I enjoyed visiting with him at different events we both attended. My best to all of you. Mike will definitely be missed by all he knew him.
Vonda.am so sorry for your loss he was a very special man he will be missed Love you
My dearest, loving Vonda I loved Mike and you so very much. I am so happy that we were able to get as close as we have been. My only regret is not being able to physically be there with you at this very moment. Please know my heart is with you and Mikey through every step you take, every tear you cry, every smile you make. Hold on to the memories because that is what will get you through the darkest of days. I love you my friend, forever and a day past always!
We knew you when you dated Vonda and went to your wedding and knew you for many years you both loved each other and Little Mike. Your smiling face and kind heart will be missed by many as well as your laughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with Vonda, Little Mike ( who is not so little anymore) we love all of you May God bless and protect all of you.
Vonda, I can honestly say I did’t know Michael, only in passing, but I knew you were very happy being with him. I am so sorry for your loss, and I’d love to give you a big hug and say everything will be okay. It will be in time, and with that my heart and prayers go out to you and your family, and of course, Bella.
So sorry for your loss Vonda. I can tell you it will take a while but with time things will be easier to deal with. Mike will remain in your heart.
My sincere condolences to you Vonda and the rest of the family. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Love,
Harry
Vonda, I’m so very sorry to hear of Mikes passing. Mike’s grandmother was married to my uncle, so we grew up with Mike and Everett. We recently in the past couple of years reconnected via facebook, only to joke each year about our birthdays in December and how old we were getting. I’m sorry I never got to see him in over 25 years. I have nothing but good memories of Mike when we were young.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
-Kelly (Durham) Fontaine
Although I had not seen my brother in many many years…My heart is with you Vonda and Mike Jr..We reconnected and that is all that matters.Michael knew I loved him he was a crazed brother popping off the heads of my barbie dolls and stealing my easy bake oven.When ALL is said and done we wanted the same thing FAMILY RIP BRO..
Auntie Vonda. I’m so sorry to here that uncle Mike has passed. I will always remember all the time I got to share with him. I’m just glad that he is no longer suffering. I will miss him very much and I will get to see him again. I love and miss you very much and wish I could be there for you.
Michael was a gentle soul and a true fighter for whom I have tremendous respect. I will miss him a great deal and he will always be in my memory. I send my warmest regards to his wife, Vonda who never left his side and to his family.
I love you aunty and I wish I could’ve gotten down there sooner to see you guys! I have been thinking about you guys and reminiscing over the last week of all the fond memories I have with you and uncle Mike! I will miss him but he is comfortable now! Love you always. Krissy